title: Topical corticosteroid abuse on the face: a prospective, multicenter study of dermatology outpatients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Abuse of topical corticosteroids (TC), especially over the face, is prevalent worldwide, including in India. Data about the magnitude of this problem in our country is lacking.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study were to ascertain the demographics, magnitude and clinical features of TC misuse on the face in the dermatology outpatient department (OPD) attendees in order to raise awareness about this problem and to analyze its causes.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective multicenter questionnaire-based clinical study conducted at 12 dermatology centers nationwide. Patients with relevant facial dermatoses reporting to the investigator were asked about their current use of over-the-counter topical formulations and a structured questionnaire applied in case the same was confirmed to be TC.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 2926 patients with facial dermatoses were screened, of which 433 (14.8%) were using TC. TC was used as a fairness/general purpose cream or aftershave in 126 (29%) and in 104 (24%) for acne. Steroid combinations were used by 258 (59.6%). Potent and super-potent TC were significantly (P = 0.05) more frequently used by the rural/suburban population. The younger age groups used more potent formulations. A non-physician recommendation for TC use was obtainable in 257 (59.3%) patients. Of these, 232 (90.3%) were for potent/super-potent steroids. Among 176 physician prescriptions, 78 (44.3%) were from non-dermatologists. All non-physician prescriptions and 146 (83%) physician prescriptions for TC were inappropriately refilled. Adverse effects were seen in 392 (90.5%) TC users. Acne/exacerbation of acne was the most common adverse effect.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TC misuse in patients with facial dermatoses is quite common, and most of this use is unwarranted. Use as a fairness cream is the most common indication in this cohort.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This was an OPD-based study and, therefore, it may or may not accurately reflect the community data.
authors.affiliation: Indushree Skin Clinic, Lucknow, India. abirsaraswat@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Abir
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saraswat
authors.forename: Koushik
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lahiri
authors.forename: Manas
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chatterjee
authors.forename: Shyamanta
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Barua
authors.forename: Arijit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Coondoo
authors.forename: Asit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mittal
authors.forename: Saumya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Panda
authors.forename: Murlidhar
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rajagopalan
authors.forename: Rajeev
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: Anil
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abraham
authors.forename: Shyam B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Verma
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Srinivas
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005145:Face; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010045:Outpatients; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs